Audi South Africa has just introduced the new Audi A3 and S3 range into the local market. The company’s premium hatch and sedan are all-new from the ground up, featuring new styling as well as the adoption of the latest tech in the cabin. Check out a video of the A3’s history at the bottom of this post.

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Two body styles

The new Audi A3 and S3 range will be available in two body shapes, a five door hatchback and a four door sedan. In Audi speak the hatch version is referred to as a Sportback. Both versions feature bold head- and taillamps along with interesting surfacing down the flanks. Audi designers have also given all derivatives subtly flared wheel arches, similar to those found in high-performance versions.

Engine options

Audi SA will be offering just two engines immediately, with a third on sale later in 2021. The A3 35 TFSI versions are fitted with a 1,4-litre turbocharged engine that offers 110 kW/250 N.m. This engine is mated with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. A 2,0-litre turbo is found in the A3 40 TFSI. The 140 kW/320 N.m motor is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 40 TFSI versions will go on sale from November 2021 onwards. Both of these are front-wheel drive.

Read our review on the addictive Audi R8 Spyder V10 Performance here.

Leading the range (at least until the high performance RS3 twins arrive in the latter part of 2022) are the S3 variants. These are powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged engine that dishes up 213 kW/400 N.m, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission attached to a quattro all-wheel-drive system. The power rating of the S3 sold in SA is a little lower than the 228 kW offered in other markets, though there is no good reason provided why this is the case.

Different flavours

The new Audi A3 hatch and sedan are available in three trim levels. The Standard derivative offers 16-inch wheels and black detailing around the grille and air intakes. Stepping up to the Advanced version increases wheel size to 17-inches and the exterior detailing becomes chrome with Advanced line bumpers. At the top of the offerings is the S line that includes a sportier bumper design, sports suspension, illuminated door sills with the S emblem and an S style spoiler on the roof of the Sportback 

S3 variants come in a single trim level and are offered with bespoke styling treatment. This includes a rhombus-patterned grille and sculpted air inlets, aluminium-look exterior mirror caps, a rear diffuser and quad exhaust tailpipes. 19-inch wheels cover red brake calipers.

New inside

Buyers of the new Audi A3 and S3 range will be privy to the latest tech, as seen in much more expensive Audi models. First up in the digital instrument cluster ahead of the drive. In the S3 versions it can be configured with a specific performance display. 

Centre stage on the facia is taken by the Audi’s MMI infotainment interface. It is a sleek-looking panel that blends into the dashboard (unlike the protruding device we experienced in the Audi Q2 we recently drove). The touchscreen system includes all basic functionality, including telephone connectivity, navigation and digital media options. Drivers can also connect smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly.

Prices

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI R561 000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Advanced R586 000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line R601 000

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S line R641 000

 

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI R576 000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Advanced R601 000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line R616 000

Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line R656 000

 

Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro R795 000

Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro R810 000